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Escambia County approves amendment to allow pari‑mutuel wagering and card rooms; vote 4-1 after heated public comment
Summary
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 on March 25 to adopt an amendment that adds pari‑mutuel wagering and card‑room activities as an allowed use in the county’s heavy commercial and light industrial zoning districts, a change proponents say would enable the relocation of an existing poker room to a site near Interstate Circle.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 on March 25 to adopt an amendment that adds pari‑mutuel wagering and card‑room activities as an allowed use in the county’s heavy commercial and light industrial zoning districts, a change proponents say would enable the relocation of an existing poker room to a site near Interstate Circle.
The measure drew a packed public hearing. Opponents said expanding the permitted use will bring social harms and traffic to neighborhoods; supporters said the existing facility operates responsibly and provides social space and jobs. After public comment and staff presentations, the board approved the ordinance with Commissioner Steve Stroberger casting the lone no vote; Commissioners Michael…
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